Picks

Kamchatka is a mysterious destination in Russia’s Far East, located along the “Ring of Fire” and known for its more than 200 volcanoes and diverse wildlife.

My idol Tadao Ando designed the original museum, and also oversaw the recent conversion to its current state as a 7 suite luxury hotel, a sprawling world of class, art, and exclusivity.

Oman is an Arabic country in the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, a historically strategic location – and not one that is commonly on the radar for many travelers. However, with increasing flight routes and its proximity to the UAE travel hub, travel to the peaceful coastal sultanate is easier than ever and worth a look.

Maldives still maintains its position as the planet’s number one destination for couples looking for uninterrupted natural beauty, romance and relaxation. Here we take a look at why and how the magic is maintained.

In my perpetual quest to find ever more fantastic remote destinations, I went to Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island of her four main islands, in February 2016.

The old man had wrinkled skin that was weather-beaten from years spent working in the fields and seemingly possessed no teeth.  “I’ve been sitting in the same spot, every day, for the last 10 years,” he said, through my translator.  He told us about his 10 children. 

The tiny island of Sri Lanka has endured a lot, both in the past and in recent memory. Torn apart by civil war and a devastating tsunami, this strong and determined little country has fought its way through the hard times and come out on the other side not only with its beauty and culture intact, but also with its eyes on bigger rewards.

As the sunrise woke me, I got my first glimpse of Oman. The contrasting view of the beach below and the rocky Al Hajar mountains was a fitting introduction to a journey that would take me all over the diverse terrains of this fascinating country.

A fascinating land of ancient traditions, cutting-edge modernity and a chequered past, South Korea boasts a rich tapestry of culture and its LGBT history is no less interesting.

With a capital city that’s often named the gay capital of Asia thanks to its bustling bars, clubs and shopping destinations, not to mention a sprawl of beautiful islands with every type of terrain you could ask for, the Philippines is fast becoming a favored travel destination among the LGBT community.

We’ve compiled the very best destinations in Asia – places guaranteed to pique your interest, ensnare your senses and captivate your imagination this year.

Whether your trip to Sri Lanka includes the stunning beaches in the south, the lush highlands terraced with tea plantations or a wildlife safari in one of its national parks, it’s worth making the effort to venture into the country’s heart to explore the Cultural Triangle to get a deeper sense of history.